May Madness: Halley Quillinan's Final Four Preview

Two great games will highlight Friday night's semifinals at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on the Stony Brook University campus. Here is what to watch for.

Florida vs. Syracuse

In a rematch of the 2OT thriller in Gainesville where the Orange outlasted Florida in March, the Gators are making their first program appearance in the NCAA Final Four. Led offensively by Gabi Wiegand and Kitty Cullen, Florida boasts the nation’s 3rd scoring offense and top scoring defense in the nation. Defensively, Mikey Meagher leads the nation in GAA with 6.67 and save percentage (.539). Syracuse’s Michelle Tumolo is the heart of the Orange attacking unit and is warmly complemented by Alyssa Murray, Katie Webster and Kailah Kempney. Defensively, Becca Block leads a defensive unit that has bested the likes of Florida, Maryland and North Carolina in 2012.

When the teams met earlier this spring, Meagher had 10 saves while Syracuse’s Alyssa Constantino recorded 13. An entire team offensive effort propelled Syracuse over the Gators as Florida’s defensive unit held Michelle Tumolo and Alyssa Murray in check. Katie Webster had two goals on the afternoon, including the game-winner in sudden victory.

This time around, both squads have grown and boast a bit of a different look. Here’s a few things to look for on Friday:

1. Florida’s Defense
The nation’s top scoring defense, Florida’s backline has been as solid as they get in 2012. The Gators haven’t given up double digits since early April and haven’t lost since their setback vs. the Orange in early March. Sam Farrell leads a defensive unit that has what it takes to win a championship.

2. Kailah Kempney vs. Shannon Gilroy
The duo of draw specialists are set to faceoff on Friday in what could be a battle royale from the center circle. Kailah Kempney did not play during Syracuse’s March 3rd tilt vs. Florida due to a knee injury. But, even after sitting out four games, Kempney leads the Orange with 83 draw controls. Shannon Gilroy leads her squad with 77.

3. Cullen & Co. vs. Tumolo & Co.
Two of the nation’s top attacking units will take center stage at Stony Brook on Friday as Kitty Cullen and Michelle Tumolo headline the first game of the Final Four. Tumolo, coming off a career game vs. the Tar Heels, was silent the last time these two teams faced off. Cullen was also held at bay on March 3rd. Both teams boast extremely balanced attacking units with the ability to score in runs. I expect both units to rise to the occasion on Friday.

4. The Goalies
A week ago, Syracuse struggled in the net; but, when Syracuse last played Florida, it was Syracuse who won the save battle as Alyssa Constantino recorded 13 on the day. Mikey Meagher sits on top of the country in save percentage and GAA.

5. The Rookies
Florida and Syracuse rely heavily on a number of freshmen this season. In addition to Kempney’s team-leading draw controls, she sits fourth on the team in goals (36) and fifth in points (38). Sitting right behind her in points is classmate Devon Collins with 34 points (31g, 3a). Ranking seventh on the squad with 26 points, Gabby Jaquith has 17 goals on the season and nine assists. Lastly, Syracuse freshman Kelsey Richardon has been key for the Orange in goal. Often splitting time between the pipes for the Orange, Richardson has a .486 save percentage this season.

For Florida, a number of freshmen have played huge roles in the Gators rise to the top in 2012. Nora Barry has been sensational for Florida this spring. The ALC Rookie of The Year sits fifth on the team in points with 46 (39g, 7a) and ranks second on the squad in ground balls (48) and draw controls (47). In addition to leading the team in draws with 77, Shannon Gilroy sit sixth on the team with 45 points (39g, 6a) and middie Nicole Graziano sits just behind Gilroy with 36 points (24g, 12a).

Northwestern vs. Maryland

The pair of perennial powers are set to clash on Friday evening in a rematch of last season’s championship game. No. 2 Northwestern and No. 3 Maryland have a number of common opponents, but have yet to square off this spring. Two of the nation’s most prolific programs, Maryland leads the NCAA women’s lacrosse NCAA championship race with 10 titles, while Northwestern has six of their own. On a quest for seven, Shannon Smith and her classmates have their eyes set on leaving Evanston with 3 rings to their name. What is standing their way? The Maryland Terrapins.

Katie Schwarzmann and Karri Ellen Johnson lead the other team that has battled its way back to championship weekend in Stony Brook. The pair of Terrapin stars lead one of the most talented attacking lineups in the nation. On Friday evening, all bets are off as the whistle blows and these two teams take the field. Two teams that boast the veteran leadership of knowing what it takes to win a national championship, Northwestern and Maryland squaring off under the lights has all the potential to be the best game of the year.

Here are a few things to watch:1. Katie Schwarzmann
The junior All American and Tewaaraton Trophy finalist has had an illustrious career in College Park and it’s far from over. When Schwarzmann plays well, her team follows suit. The midfielder leads her team in goals (69) and ranks second in points (91), ground balls (30) and draw controls (50).

2. The pace of the game
The four teams left standing all have the ability to be lights out offensively. A year ago, Northwestern chose to slow down the pace of the game on Maryland (especially towards the end). If Maryland’s offense gets going, more often than not they’re as good as gone. If Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller sticks to her 2011 game plan, one that won her a championship, we might see a closer defensive battle than a high-scoring affair.

3. Brittany Dipper vs. Brianne LoManto
Dipper, the reigning National Goalie of The Year, hasn’t had the success between the pipes as she did a year ago; but, her championship experience in the net is an undeniable advantage for the Terps. Dipper’s offense will attempt to best NU’s Brianne LoManto on Friday evening. LoManto also has a national championship win under her belt and boasts a 7.23 GAA.

5. The 50/50 battles
Both teams boast threats on the draw control as Karri Ellen Johnson and Alyssa Leonard are set to faceoff on Friday evening. This game, one that will undoubtedly come down to a battle of inches, is going to be won on ground balls and the draw control.